“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen...Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"
Isaiah 58:6a-7
Dear Partners,
As we approach spring and the Passover holiday, we hope this letter finds you and your loved ones in good health. As a faithful supporter of our work, we would like to share some important news regarding poverty in Israel and our organization's efforts to eradicate it, especially during this Passover season.
It's no secret that Israel has been facing a challenging economic situation, with rising inflation and the devastating impact of terror attacks against civilians. Many families and seniors are struggling to make ends meet, with some even living below the poverty line. The recent poverty report for 2021 revealed that approximately 854,000 children and 212,000 pensioners are living in poverty, and the numbers are only getting worse.
Vision for Israel is committed to fighting poverty in various ways and providing solutions and hope. With your ongoing support, we can continue to provide essential aid and support to those in need. We believe in the principles of mutual guarantee, social responsibility, empathy, compassion, and concern for the needs of the weak population in society, as stated in Deuteronomy 24:17-19:
You are not to twist justice for an outsider or orphan, and you are not to take as collateral a widow’s clothing. But you are to remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and Adonai your God redeemed you from there. Therefore I am commanding you to do this thing.
When you reap your harvest in your field and have forgotten a sheaf in the field, you are not to turn back to get it. It is for the outsider, for the orphan and for the widow—in order that Adonai your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.
Your efforts have made a difference, but we still have a long way to go. We are working hard to provide diverse aid for populations that need assistance. Together, we can ensure an exit from poverty to a life with dignity and with the head held high.
This Passover season, we had a goal of providing gift cards to 1000 families. We are excited to tell you that thanks to your response, we have been able to meet, and even surpass this goal! Our team has been going to different locations throughout the country over the last few weeks to distribute this essential aid. The reports they shared with us are of broken people, who are overjoyed to receive this valuable financial gift.
“And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy; for the Lord made them joyful...”
Ezra 6:22a
Imagine the stress and weight parents are enduring because they are drowning in expenses as they try to provide for their family. It is thanks to your generosity that they can place food on the table and celebrate the Passover with joy and dignity. Your help really makes a significant impact on their lives and provides hope for a better future.
As we move forward, Vision for Israel will continue to expand the circle of recipients of aid and support. Thank you for recognizing the critical need for continued action and increased support in fighting poverty here in Israel. Together, we can make a big impact.
Please click HERE to make your donation and help us fight poverty. Your contribution will make a significant improvement in the lives of those who are struggling.
Thank you for your care and support.
With Passover blessings,
Barry & Batya and the VFI Team
